The Worm Ouroboros, page 229 by E.R. Eddison
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e a beast, then. But know I'll cry on a rescue shall make all Carcë run to find us, and my brothers, ay, and Laxus, if he be a man, shall deal thee bitter payment for thy violence toward me. But if thou wilt be thy noble self, and respect my love with friendship, let me go. And if thou come secretly to my chamber door, an hour past midnight; I think thou'lt find no bolt to it."
"Ha, thou swearest it?" he said.
She answered, "Else may steep destruction swallow me quick."
"Am hour past midnight. And until then 'tis a year in my desires," said he.
"There spoke my noble lover," said Sriva, giving him her mouth once more. And swiftly she fared through the shadowy archway and across the court to where in the north gallery her father Corsus had his chamber.
The Lord Corinius went back to his seat, and there reclined for a space in slothful ease, humming to an old tune:
My Mistris is a shittle-cock. Compos'd of Cork and feather; Each Battledore sets on her dock. And bumps her on the leather. But cast her off which way you Will. She will requoile to another still-- Fa, la, la, la, la, la.
He stretched his arms and yawned. "Well, Laxus, my chubfaced meacock, this medicine hath eased powerfully my discontent. 'Tis but fair, sith I must miss my crown, that I should have thy mistress. And to say true, seeing how base, little, and ordinary a kingdom is this of Pixyland, and what a delectable sweet wagtail this Sriva, whom besides I have these two years past ne'er looked on but my mouth watered: why, I may hold me part paid for the nonce; until I weary of her.
Love is all my life. For it keeps me doing: Yet my love and wooing Is not for a Wife--
"Am hour past midnight, ha? What wine's best for lovers? I'll go drink a stoup, and so to dice with some of these lads to pass away the time till then."
XVI
THE LADY SRIVA'S EMBASSAGE
How the Duke Corsus thought it proper to commit an errand of state unto his daughter: